100 Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Melbourne has a reputation for being Australia’s cultural capital, but exploring the city doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Whether you’re a local looking for new experiences or a visitor keen to soak up the sights, there are plenty of free things to do in Melbourne. From historic tours and world-class museums to beautiful gardens and vibrant festivals, the city offers something for everyone—without spending a cent.
This list of 100 free things to do in Melbourne is packed with ideas to keep you entertained, engaged, and inspired. Whether you love art, history, music, or the great outdoors, there’s plenty to discover.
Ready to start exploring? Let’s go!
Best Free Things to Do in Melbourne
Free Things to Do: History & Heritage
1. Melbourne Town Hall Tour – Go behind the scenes on a guided tour of Melbourne’s historic Town Hall. Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
2. Old Treasury Building – Discover Melbourne’s gold rush history in this stunning 19th-century building. Spring St, CBD. Read our review.
3. Royal Historical Society of Victoria – Browse historical collections and exhibitions. Peel St, West Melbourne. Read our review.
4. City Art & Heritage Collection – See hidden treasures from Melbourne’s cultural history. Town Hall, Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
5. Parliament House Tour – Step inside Victoria’s Parliament and learn about its history. Spring St, CBD. Read our review.
6. ANZ Banking Museum – Learn about the history of banking in Australia. Collins St, CBD
7. Shrine of Remembrance – Visit this moving war memorial and enjoy stunning city views from the balcony. Birdwood Ave, CBD. Read our review.
8. City Circle Tram – Ride a heritage tram around the city and enjoy guided audio commentary. CBD. Read our review.
9. Coop’s Shot Tower Museum – Explore the historic shot tower inside Melbourne Central. La Trobe St, CBD
10. Government House Tours – Explore the grand State Rooms and beautiful gardens of Victoria’s Government House on a guided tour. Government House Drive, Melbourne
11. Melbourne Greeter Service – Enjoy a free guided walking tour with a friendly local. Melbourne Town Hall, CBD. Read our review.
12. Australian Heritage Festival – Enjoy free events celebrating Australia’s history. Various locations, held annually in April-May.
Free Things to Do: Art & Culture
13. NGV Australia – See Australian masterpieces at The Ian Potter Centre. Free gallery highlight tours run daily. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
14. NGV International – Explore world-class artworks at the NGV or go on a free highlights tour that run daily. St Kilda Rd, Southbank. Read our review.
15. Koorie Heritage Trust Art Gallery – Experience Aboriginal art, history, and culture. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
16. State Library of Victoria – Admire the stunning La Trobe Reading Room and exhibitions. Swanston St, CBD. Read our review.
17. Cowen Gallery – Discover historic paintings inside the State Library. Swanston St, CBD
18. City Gallery – Visit free art exhibitions showcasing Melbourne’s history and identity. Swanston St, CBD
19. City Library – A vibrant community library offering books, exhibitions, and free cultural events. Flinders Lane, Melbourne
20. ACMI: The Story of the Moving Image – Journey through the history of film and TV. Fed Square, CBD. Read our review.
21. Australian Music Vault – Celebrate Australia’s musical legends. Arts Centre Melbourne, Southbank
22. Victorian Arts Society VAS Gallery – View exhibitions from the Victorian Artists Society. Albert St, East Melbourne. Read our review.
23. Queen Victoria Women’s Centre Exhibitions – Browse free art and history exhibitions. Lonsdale St, CBD
24. Metro Tunnel HQ – Discover the city’s biggest rail project through interactive displays. Swanston St, CBD
25. narrm ngarrgu Library – The City of Melbourne’s newest library offering 30,000 books, creative technology, and a rooftop terrace. Queen Victoria Market precinct
26. Testing Grounds – Explore experimental art installations. Queen Victoria Market
27. Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) – See bold contemporary art exhibitions. Caulfield East
28. Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) – A leading contemporary art space showcasing bold and innovative exhibitions from local and international artists. 111 Sturt Street, Southbank
29. Library at the Docks – A modern waterfront library with stunning views, a heritage gallery, and free events. Docklands
30. Buxton Contemporary – A cutting-edge contemporary art museum featuring works from the Michael Buxton Collection. Southbank
31. RMIT Gallery – A public art space presenting exhibitions on contemporary art, design, and new media. Swanston Street, Melbourne
32. Grainger Museum – Learn about the life of eccentric Australian composer Percy Grainger. University of Melbourne, Parkville
33. Ian Potter Museum of Art – Explore contemporary and historical art exhibitions. (Reopening in May 2025). University of Melbourne, Parkville
34. Hawthorn Arts Centre Gallery – Visit this gallery inside a stunning heritage building. Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Free Things to Do: Gardens & Green Spaces
35. Royal Botanic Gardens – Wander through 38 hectares of stunning gardens. Free walking tours also run regularly. Birdwood Ave, South Yarra. Read our review.
36. La Trobe’s Cottage Garden – Wander through a recreation of Victoria’s first governor’s garden. (Entry into the Cottage is $4) Kings Domain, South Yarra
37. Fitzroy Gardens – Relax in these heritage gardens with lush greenery. Wellington Parade, East Melbourne. Read our review.
38. Parliament Gardens Tour – Join a free guided walk of this peaceful garden. Spring St, CBD.
39. Birrarung Marr – Walk along the Yarra and see Indigenous art. CBD
40. Queen Victoria Gardens – Admire floral displays and sculptures. St Kilda Rd, CBD
41. Carlton Gardens – Stroll through gardens surrounding the Royal Exhibition Building. Carlton
42. Flagstaff Gardens – Melbourne’s oldest park, perfect for a peaceful walk. CBD
43. Batman Park – Take a peaceful riverside walk with public art along the way. Spencer St, CBD
44. Yarra Bend Park – A great spot for walking and birdwatching. Abbotsford
45. CERES Community Environment Park – A hub of sustainability and urban gardening. Brunswick East
Free Things to Do: Architecture & Laneways
46. St Paul’s Cathedral – Admire stunning architecture and stained glass windows at this iconic neo-Gothic cathedral. Flinders St, CBD. Read our review.
47. Hosier Lane – Explore Melbourne’s most famous street art laneway. CBD
48. 333 Collins St – See the stunning baroque dome blending history with modernity. CBD
49. AC/DC Lane – A tribute to the legendary rock band with murals. CBD
50. Royal Arcade – Walk through Melbourne’s oldest shopping arcade. Bourke St Mall, CBD
51. Block Arcade – Admire mosaic floors and domed ceilings. Collins St, CBD
52. Nicholas Building Arcade – Browse vintage shops and art studios in this heritage building. Swanston St, CBD
53. Capitol Arcade – Peek inside this beautifully designed arcade by Walter Burley Griffin. Swanston St, CBD
54. St Patrick’s Cathedral – See stunning Gothic Revival architecture at Victoria’s largest cathedral. East Melbourne
55. Mission to Seafarers – Visit a unique Spanish-style building packed with maritime history. Docklands. Read our review.
56. Manchester Unity Building Lobby – Marvel at this Art Deco masterpiece. Collins St, CBD
57. St Michael’s Uniting Church – Admire the beautiful stained glass and mosaic floors. Collins St, CBD. Read our review.
58. Centre Place – Stroll through this vibrant laneway filled with street art. CBD
59. Union Lane – Check out the colourful murals along this hidden laneway. Bourke St, CBD
60. Blender Lane – Find striking street art in this creative hub. Docklands
61. Tattersalls Lane – Discover quirky art and eateries in this buzzing laneway. Chinatown, CBD
62. Melbourne General Cemetery – Visit historic graves and peaceful gardens. Carlton North
63. Presgrave Place – Spot hidden framed artworks in this unique laneway. Off Little Collins St, CBD
Free Things to Do: Walks & Scenic Spots
64. Window Shopping at Bourke Street Mall – Wander through Melbourne’s best shopping precinct. CBD
65. Yarra River Walk – Stroll along the river and enjoy the views. CBD
66. Southbank Promenade – A lively walk with cafes and city views. Southbank
67. Docklands Public Art Trail – Follow this self-guided trail to see impressive public art pieces. Docklands
68. Queen Victoria Market Buskers – Enjoy live music from talented street performers. CBD
69. St Kilda Esplanade Walk – A breezy coastal walk with pier views. St Kilda
70. Princes Bridge – Cross this historic bridge for great views of the Yarra. St Kilda Rd, CBD
71. Westgate Park Pink Lake – See the lake’s natural pink hue (seasonal). Port Melbourne
72. Lygon Street Walk – Stroll through Melbourne’s ‘Little Italy.’ Carlton
73. Albert Park Lake Walk – A relaxing lakeside walk with city views. Albert Park
74. Dights Falls Walk – See the rapids and historic weir. Abbotsford
75. Watch the Sunset at Princes Pier – See stunning sunset views over Port Phillip Bay. Port Melbourne
76. Sandridge Lookout – Enjoy panoramic views of Port Phillip Bay and the city. Port Melbourne
77. South Wharf Cargo Sheds – Walk along these heritage-listed sheds by the river. South Wharf
Free Things to Do: Events & Festivals
78. Music Matinee Concert Series – Enjoy free live classical music performances by talented young musicians at Scots’ Church. Most Tuesdays, 1 pm
79. Lunchtime Meditation at Fed Square – Take a relaxing break with a free 30-minute guided meditation session. Tuesdays, 12:30 pm, Atrium at Federation Square
80. St Paul’s Cathedral Lunchtime Concerts – Enjoy a peaceful half-hour of live music performed by talented young musicians in a stunning setting. Wednesdays, 1 pm, St Paul’s Cathedral
81. Lunchtime Organ Recitals – Experience the grandeur of live organ music, from Bach to contemporary composers, in a breathtaking venue. Thursdays, 1 pm, St Michael’s Uniting Church. Read our review.
82. Sea Shanties & Folk Songs – Join in for a lively evening of traditional maritime tunes and folk music. Thursdays, 7 pm, location varies. Read our review.
83. Victorian Seniors Festival – Enjoy various free events, music, and activities. Various locations, throughout all of October. Read more here.
84. Celebration Day (Victorian Seniors Festival) – A special festival day with free performances, workshops, activities and more. October, date TBC. Read our review.
85. Town Hall Dance (Victorian Seniors Festival) – A free social dance event. October, date TBC
86. Melbourne Fashion Week Free Events – Enjoy free runway shows and exhibitions. Happens each year in September.
87. Melbourne Writers Festival Free Events – Attend author talks and panel discussions. Happens each year in May
88. Open House Melbourne – Tour heritage buildings for free. Happens each year in July
89. Lonsdale Street Greek Festival – Experience Greek music and dance. Happens each year in February
90. Chinese New Year Celebrations – Lion dances and performances in Chinatown. Happens each year in February
Free Things to Do: Further Afield
91. Point Cook Coastal Park – Visit wetlands, beachside cliffs, and historic homesteads. Point Cook
92. Heide Sculpture Park – Stroll through a park filled with modern sculptures. Bulleen
93. Edendale Community Environment Farm – Visit farm animals and learn about sustainability. Eltham
94. Cherry Blossoms at Banksia Park – See seasonal cherry blossoms in bloom. Heidelberg
95. The SUBSTATION – A creative arts hub in a historic building, hosting exhibitions, performances, and events. Newport
96. Living Legends at Woodlands Historic Park – Meet retired champion racehorses (entry to park is free). Greenvale
97. Brighton Bathing Boxes Viewpoint – Admire the colourful beach huts. Brighton
Free Things to Do: Circumstantial
98. Melbourne Museum – Discover Victoria’s natural and cultural history, including the famous Phar Lap exhibit. Carlton. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders. Read our review.
99. Immigration Museum – Explore stories of migration and cultural diversity in this fascinating museum. Flinders St, CBD. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders. Read our review.
100. Scienceworks Museum – A hands-on science museum with engaging exhibits and demonstrations. Spotswood. Free for pension card holders, $10 for seniors card holders.
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